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5 Biggest Questions Surrounding Detroit Tigers Heading Into July

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David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
It is hard to believe, but the month of June will be over just one week from Wednesday. On that note, here are five of the biggest questions surrounding the Detroit Tigers heading into July.

It is hard to believe, but the month of June will be over just one week from Wednesday. On that note, here are five of the biggest questions surrounding the Detroit Tigers heading into July.

5. What To Do With Nick Castellanos?

5. What To Do With Nick Castellanos? Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Although many thought that he had a chance to break out in his sophomore campaign, Nick Castellanos has struggled to the tune of a .217/.267/.328 slash line up to this point. If the struggles continue, the Tigers may be forced to give Andrew Romine more playing time, which is actually what they have been doing lately. They could also consider calling up Dixon Machado to play some third base.

Although many thought that he had a chance to break out in his sophomore campaign, Nick Castellanos has struggled to the tune of a .217/.267/.328 slash line up to this point. If the struggles continue, the Tigers may be forced to give Andrew Romine more playing time, which is actually what they have been doing lately. They could also consider calling up Dixon Machado to play some third base.

4. Is The Bullpen Falling Apart?

4. Is The Bullpen Falling Apart? Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Tigers' bullpen was quite good over the first two months of the season, they rank dead last in MLB with a 5.60 ERA in the month of June. Going by FIP, they rank 28th in baseball with a mark of 4.24 for the season. Worse yet, Joakim Soria, who was looking like he was going to be the first lockdown closer the team has had in quite a while, has begun to struggle a bit as well.

Although the Tigers' bullpen was quite good over the first two months of the season, they rank dead last in MLB with a 5.60 ERA in the month of June. Going by FIP, they rank 28th in baseball with a mark of 4.24 for the season. Worse yet, Joakim Soria, who was looking like he was going to be the first lockdown closer the team has had in quite a while, has begun to struggle a bit as well.

3. Can Victor Martinez Deliver Left-Handed Pop?

3. Can Victor Martinez Deliver Left-Handed Pop? David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
In his first four games since being activated from the 15-day DL, Victor Martinez is hitting .294/.333/.471 with a homer and six RBIs, which is certainly encouraging. The switch-hitter has also looked better while batting left-handed, which was a major concern earlier in the year. In a right-handed dominant lineup, the Tigers are going to need V-Mart to continue swinging a solid stick from the left side.

In his first four games since being activated from the 15-day DL, Victor Martinez is hitting .294/.333/.471 with a homer and six RBIs, which is certainly encouraging. The switch-hitter has also looked better while batting left-handed, which was a major concern earlier in the year. In a right-handed dominant lineup, the Tigers are going to need V-Mart to continue swinging a solid stick from the left side.

2. Can Justin Verlander Help The Rotation?

2. Can Justin Verlander Help The Rotation? Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Tigers have a true ace in David Price, plenty of question marks remain in their starting rotation. Justin Verlander recently returned from the DL, but he has put up a bloated 6.17 ERA to go along with a 1.37 WHIP over his first two outings. It probably isn't realistic to expect Verlander to return to being the guy he was from 2009-12 when he was at his peak, but there is still reason to believe that he has enough left in the tank to provide somewhat of a spark. Only time will tell, however.

Although the Tigers have a true ace in David Price, plenty of question marks remain in their starting rotation. Justin Verlander recently returned from the DL, but he has put up a bloated 6.17 ERA to go along with a 1.37 WHIP over his first two outings. It probably isn't realistic to expect Verlander to return to being the guy he was from 2009-12 when he was at his peak, but there is still reason to believe that he has enough left in the tank to provide somewhat of a spark. Only time will tell, however.

1. Buyers or Sellers?

1. Buyers or Sellers? Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Barely above the .500 mark at 36-34, the Tigers are currently in third place and sit 5.5 games behind the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central. If the Tigers choose to be buyers once again, there are a number of players rumored to be on the trading block who could potentially help with their rotation and bullpen woes. However, if the Tigers fall any further behind, some have argued that they should consider becoming sellers and acquire a few prospects to build for the future.

Barely above the .500 mark at 36-34, the Tigers are currently in third place and sit 5.5 games behind the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central. If the Tigers choose to be buyers once again, there are a number of players rumored to be on the trading block who could potentially help with their rotation and bullpen woes. However, if the Tigers fall any further behind, some have argued that they should consider becoming sellers and acquire a few prospects to build for the future.

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